Balanced

Social networks. New scientific evidence suggests it’s one of the most important sources of happiness. Our connections with others shape who we are and is a prediction of our satisfaction with life. Evolution has made us good at connecting with others and given us a desire to form those connections. You can instantly see the importance of connection in the bond that forms between a mother and her new born child, and in the negative effects when that bond is not formed for whatever reason. Connection with others is what gives us meaning and purpose. What researchers have discovered is that overall, the happiest people tend to have rich and satisfying relationships and that points to evidence that social connections lead to high levels of happiness. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be happy when you’re alone, and as an introvert and can confirm that. It’s just that, even for us introverts, too much time alone does not contribute to your happiness, another fact I can confirm. As a c...

A few months back, I wrote about the importance of moving regularly, everyday of your life. It’s what the happiest, healthiest cultures practice, and they build it in to their everyday lives. I also mentioned that we get bored easy, and suggested that you try new things until you find a few that you love. Recently, I find that I’m not following my own advice. I’m a walker, and my three dogs keep me going, but I’m not a cold weather person, so this winter weather we’ve been getting recently has made me, well, lazy. There, I said it. Something else to note, is that exercise is a keystone habit, meaning it leads to other healthy habits like healthy eating and drinking more water. Exercise also keeps the blues away. So, in my laziness, I’m finding I’m snacking too much and not as happy as I usually am. So, in an effort to hold myself accountable, I’m going to take you on a little journey with me. My goal is to try a new type of movement every month for the next three months and the...

Okay, fats are not usually associated with health, and while it’s true that many fats are unhealthy, some are good for you, even essential to your health. While saturated and trans fats (the bad kind) lead to risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity, other “good” fats serve many purposes. It provides energy, moves certain nutrients around the body contributes to brain health. I suggest you get most of your fats from whole foods like nuts, seeds and avocados. Oils are highly processed and high in calories and low in nutrients compared to whole foods, but that’s a subject for a whole ‘nother blog post. Omega-3 fatty acids are a particularly important fat that you want to be sure to include in your diet. They are called essential fatty acids because your body needs them to function, yet we don’t manufacture them on our own. Contrary to popular belief, Omega-3s can be found in both plant and animal sources, so if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can still meet your requirem...

So simple, yet so delicious, oh Congee, where have you been all my life? I had never heard of Congee before, much less tried it. But I had an abundance of spinach so I went searching. Now I know it's a thick rice porridge with many variations that is popular in most Asian countries. It's super easy to put together and takes some time to cook, so be sure to give yourself about 2 hours. With as easy as it is, who would've thought it could be so delish? Do yourself a favor and give it a try - you can even add chicken, fish or a boiled egg if you're so inclined! Ingredients 1 teaspoon vegetable oil ½ yellow onion 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced 2 cups sliced mushrooms of your choice 1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed and drained 8 - 9 cups vegetable stock 1 cup shredded carrot 4 cups greens, thinly sliced (bok choy, spinach, kale, etc.) Salt or soy sauce White or black pepper Garnishes Thinly sliced scallions Fried ...

Inflammation. Many medical experts regard it as the underlying cause of all disease. Now I’m not a doctor, so I won’t agree or disagree. I do know, however, that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help a variety of disorder including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, many cancers and Alzheimers. And generally speaking, it’s a healthy diet, so unless you have some special dietary restrictions, it can’t hurt. Most of the foods are anti-oxidant as well. If you’re interested in adopting a anti-inflammatory diet, it’s really quite simple: eat what is widely regarded as healthy, including lots of produce, whole grains and plant-based proteins. Here’s the skinny: Fruits and vegetables : This is where half your plate should come from. Go for that nutritional rainbow – red (tomatoes, red peppers, strawberries, etc.), orange (pumpkin, mango), green (avocado, leafy greens), blue (blueberries, cabbage) and white (cauliflower, mushrooms).  Be sure to...

I was first gifted with the film, I Am, from my friend Molly, who knew I would love it. And love it, I do. In fact it's the kind of film I watch over and over. After Tom Shadyac’s successful career as a Hollywood producer abruptly came to an end following a serious bicycle accident, he set out to find what really makes us happy. In the process, he interviews the great thinkers of our time including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Canadian scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki, and American philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky. The result of these interviews is I Am. In this documentary, Shadyac left  his Hollywood lifestyle behind and let his innate curiosity take over in pursuit of happiness. And what he found surprised him, including that money really doesn’t buy happiness. For me, this film is a story of connectedness and community. Read more about the film and Tom Shadyac’s work here , and then watch the film on Amazon or Netflix.

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” These words from John Muir still ring true today and with our hectic schedules and desk jobs, it has become more difficult to “walk with nature.”  But as the above infographic shows, there are many reasons to make spending time outside part of your everyday routine. And if you need some help getting started, here are my TEN WAYS TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE MEDITATE! If you feel safe, set up your meditation space outside during warmer weather.  BOOM!  Double the impact! Schedule daily outdoor time Schedule time to be outdoors everyday, no matter the weather.  That’s what umbrellas are for. Be enthusiastic about nature Even in the middle of a busy city you can celebrate nature through the sun and moon, the flowers and trees, the birds singing and the changing of the seasons.  Develop your sense of awe. Make an outdoor happy place If you have access to any private outdoor space, ...